PortraitAll That Matters (Capitol) (star) 1/2On the...

Martin JohnsonCHICAGO TRIBUNE

Portrait

All That Matters (Capitol) (star) 1/2

On the follow-up to their gold, self-titled debut recording, Portrait strive to differentiate themselves from the multitude of Boyz II Men clones by drawing attention away from their voices. Their 12 new songs offer such sumptuously appointed and meticulously detailed background tracks that the singing is reduced to almost a peripheral element. This technique works on the lead single, "I Can Call You," where a sampled voice rattles off a litany of girlfriends, a wry suggestion that a one-night stand rather than everlasting love is on the menu. Unfortunately, none of the other songs are as inventive--especially their second single, a faithful cover of the Bee Gees' "How Deep is Your Love"--and no one really wants to hear a vocal group for the accompaniment.